Published on: August 19, 2025, at 11:16 AM.

Updated on: August 19, 2025, at 11:20 AM.

• Hisham Ismaeel, wanted for fraud exceeding $5,000, remains at large
• RCMP’s Federal Policing Northwest Region executed six search warrants in Edmonton after discovering signs of fraud and money laundering

A fifth individual, who is the target of a comprehensive arrest warrant across Alberta for a coordinated ATM fraud scheme at casinos in Western Canada, has not been apprehended, according to a law enforcement representative.

Arrest Warrant Issued

Hisham Ismaeel, 28, has been charged with fraud surpassing $5,000 and possession of property acquired through criminal activities.

Ismaeel, an Alberta resident, was charged alongside four others in what the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region describes as a systematic ATM fraud across Western Canadian casinos.

“I can confirm that an Alberta-wide warrant remains active for Hisham Ismaeel. As this case is ongoing, we cannot disclose any additional details at this moment,” the spokesperson informed Casino.org.

The RCMP uncovered dubious activities surrounding ATM transactions within the Edmonton area. Allegedly, the suspects withdrew substantial amounts of cash as part of a coordinated operation designed to avoid detection, leading to a total financial loss exceeding $1 million due to the fraudulent actions against financial institutions.

ATM Service Interruptions

These transactions caused service disruptions at ATMs throughout Western Canada.

Six search warrants executed in Edmonton by NWR revealed evidence of fraudulent activities, money laundering, and even a quantity of cocaine.

Elliot Miao (42), Van Bau Ta (39), Hassan Jaafar Haydar Ahmad (37), and Dennis Jones (42), all from Edmonton, appeared in an Alberta Court of Justice last week.

Charges for Money Laundering

“This investigation exemplifies how effective collaboration between public and private entities is crucial in addressing the evolving landscape of financial crime,” stated the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest region.

Miao has been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Ta is facing charges for fraud over $5,000, possession of stolen property, and money laundering; Ahmad has been charged similarly with fraud over $5,000, possession of stolen property, and money laundering; while Jones is charged with fraud over $5,000 and possession of stolen property.

The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission (AGLC), the Edmonton Police Service, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada, and various financial institutions assisted in this investigation.

Impact on Edmonton Casinos

“AGLC’s regulations necessitate rigorous surveillance measures which aided in the early detection of suspicious activities and the subsequent involvement of the RCMP,” remarked an AGLC representative.

“AGLC remains dedicated to preventing, identifying, and deterring money laundering and terrorist financing activities within the gaming industry, both in physical and online environments.”

The RCMP did not specifically identify the casinos in Edmonton impacted by this case. According to the AGLC, there are seven casinos in the Edmonton area.